A Tough Decision

[Crede777]

Well, here it is. I'm putting this thread up because I need some advice.

It has always been my dream, ever since I began playing paintball, to ascend to the ranks of the pros. I always wanted to play with the pros. And in fact, I've gotten fairly close to doing just that. In the last year, I've seen an increase from shooting an upped Cocker to shooting an Ego. I've ascended from being a simple local player idolizing the local college teams to a Div. 3 PSP player entertaining allowing those very same college ballers to play with my #1 local team, and on the PSP team. I practice with the likes of Cody Szimak (Dynasty), Drew Hire (Infamous/Shockwave), and LP (Aftershock). Not to mention a variety of semi-pro and equally skilled players.

I am always getting better. I've never felt outclassed, and can rise to play against nearly anyone. I've gotten to the point where I can play for free at 2 fields, never have to pay full price for anything, and play with the best equipment.

I've gone from a lowly member on many forums to an Agent here, a Mod elsewhere, etc.

So what's the problem? Well, in 2 short weeks college starts. The college I chose is even further away from the fields that I currently play at. I've got a bunch of work for that I need to do. I'm hoping to become a doctor, and am studying biology. That means ALOT of studying. Also, I am holding a job with mandatory 4 days of work (one of which is a weekend day). Not to mention I have a pretty girlfriend who I dated through highschool.

All of these require tons of time. Once college starts, I probably won't have time for all four of those things (work, gf, school, and paintball). To me, however, all four are supremely important. I don't want to give up on any one of them, but I've already said my last work day will be in 2 weeks. Ok, so I still have to juggle studying, a girlfriend who isn't going to college with me, and paintball.

What should I do? I was supposed to play today, but prep for college kept me at home. I'm working tomorrow. I feel like I'm not only letting my team(s) down, but I'm letting myself down.

[dm4monkey]

growing up sucks man...sometimes you gotta steup up and cut out the fun stuff for whats really important in life. but i know what you're going through...im starting to drop into that time in my life as well and it sucks :(

[mrcheetos]

Man, that sucks. All I have to say is, build your future on steady ground. I love paintballing, and so do you, but if you focus on your career, and your future, you won't regret it.

Maybe you can devote sometime to go paintballing, maybe 2 or 3 days devoted to driving down to the nearest field.

[AustinGod]

I know how you feel. Paintball is such a Drug, sometimes I wish I never ever played it. But when I do play its like my own personal high.

[pbrascal37]

Definitly work hard, do well in college and build yourself a life where you can take off work whenever you want to play paintball wherever you want...you know you have the skill to play competitively now and even if you take a break for a little while you still can keep your ego and gear and play if you have the opportunity.

I am starting to get to the point you are as well and I hope I can continue to play but as money gets tighter and college rounds closer who knows how much time I will have to work hard and still play competitive paintball

[Morox]

You'll eventually get a chance to play again. Just focus on what's most important for now.

[Ice Marine]

School > work/gf >>>>>> paintball

I could type a whole speech on why but I'll just leave it at:
A) Ollie Lang gets $100,000. Starting doctor (depending on specialty) is 100-250+)
B) My pledge bro is applying to med-schools right now. He did well on his MCATs and his GPA is outstanding. He's applying to some GREAT med schools, yet he's not applying to some of the top few bc he doesn't think he even stands a chance. Basically what I'm saying is, if you want to go to a good med-school, you need good grades. Good grades = studying.
C) Secure your future. The $100grand Ollie gets is nothing. It's enough to survive but not enough to live. I don't know what you want, but for me, being a pro-paintballer isn't worth it. Don't get me wrong, the fame, the ability to play your favorite sport for money, and the fact that you know you're a top top player are great attributes. But I would much rather know that I can provide my family w/ a comfortable lifestyle and possibly secure their future as well.
D) Enjoy college. I'm going to be a 3rd year, and so far, I've having a ****ing blast. My 1st year wasn't bad. I met a lot of new people and I got used to the school surroundings. My 2nd year was the best year of my life...so far. I met even more people, I've made life-long friends, and I've done things I would have never done if it wasn't for them. Everyone says college is the best time of your life, and it's true. You have a lot of freedom to do what you want, yet you don't have very many responsibilities. You still live in a very structured environment where everything has been decided for you; yet, you get the feeling you can do whatever you want. I don't know if you've ever worked a full-time job, but let me tell you, it effing blows.

tl;dr A) doctors make more money B)medschool is hard C)set your priorities D)college is ****ing fun

[iplaynaked]

Once you get good enough its like riding a bike. Get out there and play in the little spare time you have, and then later on in school when you're studying fewer things and have more time you'll be able to get back out on the field more and more. Secure your future then have your fun. Thats what I plan on doing come college time (then again criminal justice is a bit less demanding than med school :o ). there are always college parties to have your fun at.

[Mr Murderdoll89]

Like Naked said, you won't lose skill, it's like riding a bike.

[Tweeters]

choose, professional paintball or doctor. unfortunately you picked a career path where you can't do both. and both are equally treacherous, entering medical school is just as hard as reaching the pro levels unless you have very good friends.

imho, if you can live without an overabundance of cash, a super sick car and a big house. shoot for the stars but stay in school with a less time consuming major. just always have the backup plan.

the thing about leaving the sport for more than 2 years is the skills evolve madly. honestly who remembers anyone who wasn't super talented or professional loading while shooting? or running and gunning? i've met people who played d2 psp 2-3 years ago who come now and are trash.

[soccerjacks12]

I'm gonna be in the same dilemna as you Crede in a couple years.
YOu gotta think about this: Will paintball be your job? or Do you want a job and play paintball on the side? If you really want to play professionally and think you can, college will become the side project. ANd unfortunately work+Paintball>gf and college.
My advice is to play paintball on the side, but then again, I'ms ure I'm not as good as you. I would do whatever the other person said. WOrk really hard in college, get a great job, and play paintball whenever you want later in life:|

[Tweeters]

you will definately need a job while playing paintball, professional or not. job within the industry ftw.

[Ice Marine]

Rich Telford works a 9-5job on top of being Captain of XSV

[thekid]

Rich Telford works a 9-5job on top of being Captain of XSV

Doesn't he own a paintball shop? If so that wouldn't be too bad.

[Lopez17]

Rich Telford works a 9-5job on top of being Captain of XSV


Rocky Knuth has a job at Hewlett Packard.

Todd Martinez owns a Pevs Franchise store in SD.

These guys play pro on well known teams and can't afford to live on the game.

While it's good to have ambition to succeed in everything that you do and while it's realistic that you could play pro ball, the pay isn't comparable. Study hard and put paintball on the backburner and understand that your priorities should be focused on putting yourself into a lifestyle that will allow you to make a nice home for your family/wife and enjoy recreational activities.

[Tweeters]

Rich runs a store, franchise, team and a field. With the help of Gina.


While it's good to have ambition to succeed in everything that you do and while it's realistic that you could play pro ball, the pay isn't comparable. Study hard and put paintball on the backburner and understand that your priorities should be focused on putting yourself into a lifestyle that will allow you to make a nice home for your family/wife and enjoy recreational activities.

what if you dont intend to have a wife/family :).

[Sheps]

Rocky Knuth has a job at Hewlett Packard.

Todd Martinez owns a Pevs Franchise store in SD.

These guys play pro on well known teams and can't afford to live on the game.

While it's good to have ambition to succeed in everything that you do and while it's realistic that you could play pro ball, the pay isn't comparable. Study hard and put paintball on the backburner and understand that your priorities should be focused on putting yourself into a lifestyle that will allow you to make a nice home for your family/wife and enjoy recreational activities.

I would take Lopez's advice: If you really want to be a Doctor, be a Doctor. Put paintball to the side, get through med school, and come back with a vengeance with that "old-school" Nexus Ego and fat wads of cash to throw at upgrades and accessories.

what if you dont intend to have a wife/family :).

Then he can use the saved money to buy another Nexus Ego, and go into games "Akimbo" style. :dodgy:

[SouthTXpball]

hold education paramount....your job, gf and paintball skils may leave you (not saying they will soon) but your education cannot be taken away...just my two cents

[Tweeters]

hold education paramount....your job, gf and paintball skils may leave you (not saying they will soon) but your education cannot be taken away...just my two cents

do you remember what you learned in english in 6th grade?

by the way its called alzhimers.

[soccerjacks12]

do you remember what you learned in english in 6th grade?

by the way its called alzhimers.
No it's Alzheimer's:P

[Tweeters]

No it's Alzheimer's:P

this is why you will never enter quotapalooza

[Omega_Pirate]

Bummer man (I haven't said that in years) You just gotta do what you gotta do. Is a girlfriend really that important?

[Crede777]

The doctor thing isn't set in stone (of course). I mean, 4 years is a long time to change one's mind. Plus, while I get good grades, I don't get amazing grades.

Also, I'm not considering pro paintball to take place of an occupation. Sure it would take time, but you could have a decent job as well.

If you look at it now, paintball is in the prime spot for jumping into the industry. The leagues are going crazy, no real capital has been established, and tv coverage is sporadic. And yet the fan base is growing. Right now, the majority of the paintball crowd is 13-25. These people, statistically, have the least disposable income of any age group. In 10 years, the loyal fan base will have risen from the majority being 13-25 to 23-35. These people have much more money to spend watching, buying, and playing.

[pbrascal37]

looks like you have your head inthe right place...just do what you know is right... /corny disney movie quote

[Tweeters]

lets also not forget the carepackage thats starting to come to players getting cherrypicked from good d1 teams, jobs anyone?

[Ice Marine]

The doctor thing isn't set in stone (of course). I mean, 4 years is a long time to change one's mind. Plus, while I get good grades, I don't get amazing grades.

Also, I'm not considering pro paintball to take place of an occupation. Sure it would take time, but you could have a decent job as well.

If you look at it now, paintball is in the prime spot for jumping into the industry. The leagues are going crazy, no real capital has been established, and tv coverage is sporadic. And yet the fan base is growing. Right now, the majority of the paintball crowd is 13-25. These people, statistically, have the least disposable income of any age group. In 10 years, the loyal fan base will have risen from the majority being 13-25 to 23-35. These people have much more money to spend watching, buying, and playing.

Doctor is a hard path. Biggest reason why I decided not to do bio. For some reason, it sounds like your mind has been made up. And if that's the case, I wish you the best in whichever path you choose.

I'm glad you're able to analyze paintball. Take that same mentaility and apply it towards health.


Paul Zane Pilzer (was an economic advisor for 2 presidential terms) predicted health to be the next trillion dollar industry. Why? Because baby boomers set every major economic trend. Who are baby boomers, they're basically your parents. It's about a 5 - 10 year span after WWII ended, people start making bunnies like crazy. As a result, baby boomers are about 2 billion people aka 1/3 of the world's popular. Proof? In the early 50s, baby products became huge ie Goobers, Huggies, whatever. Why? Because baby boomers were just born. In the 60s, hot rods / muscle cars were huge. Why? Because baby boomers are in their teens/20s and they're buying cars. In the 80s, real estate was huge. Why? Because baby boomers were looking to buy houses / real estate. In the 90s, supermarts like KMart/Walmart were big. Why? because baby boomers have families now and they're looking for an all in one place to buy everything. In present day, it's health and wellness. Why? Because baby boomers are 50-60 years old and they're becoming more health conscious. Examples: McDonalds started selling salads. Because they wanted to sell lettuce to kids? No. Because they're trying to attracts the parents so they can bring their kids. Atkins diet? South Beach Diet? No Carb Diet? No Meat Diet? Because people are starting to become more and more aware of their health. Health is big and you can't deny/ignore that. There was another statistic, but I can't remember it. Anyways, basically health/wellness is where is big money is going to be. Question is, are you ready for it?


tl;dr health and wellness is the next trillion dollar industry. a trillion dollar is 1/7 of the US National spending. If the US economic spending was a pie, I'm not even asking for a slice of that pie. I just want the crumbs or the chance to lick the left overs off the knife.

No one said you had to be a doctor. My roommate wants to go to Pharmacy school afterwards and there is good money there too. It really depends what you want.

[AustinGod]

Is a girlfriend really that important?


Good Question. :eyes:

[Ice Marine]

You'll have a long distance relationship. I don't know what people told you, but it's hard. You may think your an exception, I know I did, but reality says you're not. I've been going out w/ my ex-gf for almost 4 years and we broke up recently because of this long distance. We survived two years of college w/ everything going okay. It's not because she didn't trust me or I didn't trust her. It was because the relationship wasn't going anywhere. You say you'll talk on the phone. How long can you talk on the phone? 1 hour a day? 7 days a week? 52 weeks a year? You run out of things to talk about and your relationship goes no where. It gets boring.

Then in college, you'll meet a lot of people. Some of those people will be these really cute chicks who treat you really well. Temptations + you having a boring relationship w/ your gf = you unhappy.

Maybe you're different, I don't know. I'm just telling you what I experienced.

[pbrascal37]

Then in college, you'll meet a lot of people. Some of those people will be these really cute chicks who treat you really well. Temptations + you having a boring relationship w/ your gf = you unhappy.



QFT

[smrtprts]

Put paintball on hold until you are done college? Once you are done with college you will have a lot more time and can pick up where you left off.

[4THDEGREE]

Do what the rest of us do that are in the real world, play when you can with like minded people. All the guys I play/compete with are working fulltime jobs with either familys or girlfriends (a couple have both).

Remember why you started playing paintball in the beginning...for the fun of it.

[BunkerBoys]

Hey Crede, can you tell us what you decide to do in the end? I'm really interested in your decision and I wish you the best of luck in paintball/life.

EDIT: Paintball is life.

[Crede777]

Thanks for the support guys. I guess it's kinda pointless to try to predict my future and what not, and I should play it by ear. Making the assumption that I could have a spot among the pros is a fairly large assumption. So is assuming I'll becoming a doctor.

As far as my girlfriend, she means alot to me but I am have no illusions that I'm an exception. There's a reason why society plays off long-term relationships like it does. But that doesn't mean I can't give it a try. To me, she's worth it.

Anyways, I'm just going to play it by ear. If PBR is still around in 5 years (and hasn't taken over the cyber-world), then I will update with what I've chosen. Also if she breaks up with me, you can be sure you'll see some sort of emo-esque rant about it in O/T.

[soccerjacks12]

Good luck. Further down the road if you reappear, I will consult you. I'm 90% I will be in the same situation as you in 2 years.

[clown_13_2001]

I'm in the exact same situation, but I am leaving on friday. I have to store my gear in the trunk of my car, so that is no fun. I am also on a VERY limited income, and leaving the fields where I get discouts. I have descended back to a recballer, and that is no fun. I have recently lost faith in paintball, I just can't play how I used to just a couple months back. I no longer play 100% which frustrates me, but I just can't force myself to it. I hope to go to college and start out with a whole new outlook on life. I do not know how it will get started, or how I will change, but I have to. I am an EE major, one of the hardest disciplines to complete, but I am determined to succeed. I was accepted into my college of choice nearly a year ago, but I am now just feeling the realness of it. I am still not packed and ready to move out, but I will get there somehow. Hopefully down the road I can get back into paintball and play my hardest again, but I just don't see it happening. I am switching my mind to concentrating on my studies and friends, something I have lost in the last few years. In 5 years, I may be coming out of school and working with a huge company, or I could be bagging groceries at the local supermarket, but I'll be damned if something hinders my studies.

****, now that I looked at my post, I noticed how it was all random posts with no cause or no point to it. I am probably venting, don't mind me. :dodgy:

[Crede777]

Someone smart once said: Whomever controls money will control paintball. Sadly (and yet luckily), paintball is in its infancy. As such, it is heavily influenced by money and power. Bob Long is a good example. He has money. He has power. He's 50+ years old, is slow, and yet can play on a pro team at the tip of his hat. Why? Because it was Bob Long's Ironmen, Bob Long's Assassins, etc.

I'm saying get money now. Study hard now. You don't have to be an 18 year old pro paintball prodigy. You can play when you're 20, when you're 30, or even older.

[Tweeters]

you wont be able to evolve with the game properly though if you dont stay in the sport. seriously though, you wont be able to pull off doctoring and paintballing unless your like a dentist...but then you'd have to fight depression too.